Keep an alcohol hand sanitizer and wash your hands clean frequently; it is not about face masks or gloves, but keeping your hands clean, Prof Michael Borg said today.

“We have received many questions regarding people who go out in public wearing masks and gloves, and unfortunately some people follow the wrong information,” Borg said.

Prof Borg, head of the Infection Control at Mater Dei Hospital, was speaking during a Facebook live video transmission from Mater Dei, speaking about COVID-19 and answers any queries the public had.

“The masks are used inside hospital, for medical professionals who are in close contact with patients. If the patient is to cough, that nurse or doctor is at risk of getting the virus. Outside the hospital, there is less likely a chance that you would be so close to those people.”

He explained that with gravity, the virus would fall to the ground and in cases where the area is very large, the microbes break down.  He also said that whilst wearing a mask, there is more chance of touching your face to arrange the mask if it moves out of place and this brings a higher risk of catching the virus.

“The solution? Wash your hands. Keep an alcohol rub with you and that way you constantly have a way to keep your hands clean. No alcohol rub? Wash your hands constantly; the focus is not about face masks or gloves, but keeping our hands clean.”

He said that when washing your hands, it is very important to wash every part of the hand, especially between the fingers. He also demonstrated how to wash your hands properly and to ensure to cover the whole hand.

“It is a difficult period, and we are calling for everyone to stay at home, especially the more vulnerable individuals, such as those individuals over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic disease, but please it is important to do exercise. You need to stay active and healthy. If you have a treadmill, use it and if not just walk around the house or do basic exercise. It is very important we do this and we keep a healthy diet which will help our immune system.”

How should I keep healthy- it is very difficult right now, we are calling all these people to not go outside, especially those 65 plus, chronic disease- it is still important to do exercise. If you have a treadmill, and if not just walk around the flat, house- we eat well. Very important that we eat a healthy diet, this will help our immune system.”